County 4-H presents major awards

Paintrock FFA Chapter Advisor and Riverside High School ag teacher Jared Boardman was one of two recipients for the 4-H Extra Mile Award this year.

Along with individual 4-H member and leader awards, the Extra Mile Award and other special awards were presented at the Big Horn County 4-H Achievement Night in Cowley on Nov. 16.

According to 4-H Educator Grethen Gasvoda-Kelso, the 4-H Extra Mile Award is given in memory of Dean Carroll, a dedicated long-term leader for 21 years in Big Horn County who passed away this year.

“Dean’s love and guidance for all youth will be missed by many, especially those who shared his common love of horses. Dean’s generosity will leave footprints on all of our hearts … Dean was perfect example of going the Extra Mile to help a youth gain knowledge or skills or just to have a positive experience in 4-H … he will be missed by all!

During the presentation Gasvoda-Kelso said, “Jared may bleed blue for FFA, but embraces the 4-H members and endures their educator —always lending advice, sharing knowledge and skills thru clinics, team member for the Jr. Livestock Awards Committee and leading the team through the Jackpot.

“One parent of a FFA and 4-H member shared — ‘Mr. Boardman pushes my son and believes in him. He lights the fire under the kids, believing in them.’”

The second recipient is Jamie Wamhoff. According to the presentation, Wamhoff “has a sense of humor and a giving heart, which are all required when weighing pigs, showing pigs, and helping stressed members and parents. Jamie’s granddaughter, Mataja shared in her record book about Jamie’s giving heart and the lessons learned about chasing pigs in the Heights of Greybull and the Big Horn County Fairgrounds during weigh-ins.

Pam Flitner presented the 4-H Member Extra Mile Award to Rachel Bullinger of Burlington. According to Flitner, “The ripple effect of one act of kindness is amazing, especially when it comes to the Citizenship project Rachel Bullinger completed. Rachel made seat belt pillows for cancer patients. The project was triggered from the heart of caring. Dorothy Allen was a compassionate janitor at the Burlington School, challenged with cancer. She commented on the irritation of the seat belt rubbing on her port. Rachel listened to those words and put her creativity to work and sewed many seat belt pillows for Mrs. Allen, as well as donating them to the cancer center.

Paintrock FFA Chapter Advisor and Riverside High School ag teacher Jared Boardman was one of two recipients for the 4-H Extra Mile Award this year.

Along with individual 4-H member and leader awards, the Extra Mile Award and other special awards were presented at the Big Horn County 4-H Achievement Night in Cowley on Nov. 16.

According to 4-H Educator Grethen Gasvoda-Kelso, the 4-H Extra Mile Award is given in memory of Dean Carroll, a dedicated long-term leader for 21 years in Big Horn County who passed away this year.

“Dean’s love and guidance for all youth will be missed by many, especially those who shared his common love of horses. Dean’s generosity will leave footprints on all of our hearts … Dean was perfect example of going the Extra Mile to help a youth gain knowledge or skills or just to have a positive experience in 4-H … he will be missed by all!

During the presentation Gasvoda-Kelso said, “Jared may bleed blue for FFA, but embraces the 4-H members and endures their educator —always lending advice, sharing knowledge and skills thru clinics, team member for the Jr. Livestock Awards Committee and leading the team through the Jackpot.

“One parent of a FFA and 4-H member shared — ‘Mr. Boardman pushes my son and believes in him. He lights the fire under the kids, believing in them.’”

The second recipient is Jamie Wamhoff. According to the presentation, Wamhoff “has a sense of humor and a giving heart, which are all required when weighing pigs, showing pigs, and helping stressed members and parents. Jamie’s granddaughter, Mataja shared in her record book about Jamie’s giving heart and the lessons learned about chasing pigs in the Heights of Greybull and the Big Horn County Fairgrounds during weigh-ins.

Pam Flitner presented the 4-H Member Extra Mile Award to Rachel Bullinger of Burlington. According to Flitner, “The ripple effect of one act of kindness is amazing, especially when it comes to the Citizenship project Rachel Bullinger completed. Rachel made seat belt pillows for cancer patients. The project was triggered from the heart of caring. Dorothy Allen was a compassionate janitor at the Burlington School, challenged with cancer. She commented on the irritation of the seat belt rubbing on her port. Rachel listened to those words and put her creativity to work and sewed many seat belt pillows for Mrs. Allen, as well as donating them to the cancer center.

This year’s Harry Collins Memorial Wool Blanket Award went to Cody Strauch of Greybull. The Harry Collins Memorial Wool Blanket Award is earned by a senior 4-H member for the top breeding sheep record book. A 4-H member can only receive this award once. Strauch has worked hard over the years showing and building his sheep project. He takes pride in his sheep and enjoys sharing his knowledge with his younger siblings and other 4-H members.

Chelle Schwope received this year’s Outstanding 4-H Leader award. Gasvoda-Kelso said, “Our 4-H program is successful and productive because of dedicated 4-H leaders and volunteers. It is a privilege to work with (Schwope) in many faucets of the 4-H program. She is project leader thankfully since her mom is the key leader of dog, in addition Chelle is the leaders council president. Chelle is open minded to change and growth and not afraid to make executive decisions in times of need. She exemplifies teamwork in many county activities from 4-H Fun Day, Carnival, Fund Raisers, to packing up all the cakes for state fair — it is all the little details that make a difference in 4-H. Chelle doesn’t have to be asked to help out, she shows up and works till the job is done.”

The new Big Horn County Fair Board and maintenance personnel were presented the Friend of 4-H Award. Tammy Bond said, “Life is full of change and challenges. There is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is not a choice about the work itself. The 2012 Big Horn County Fair is a prime example of change and challenges. The new board, groundskeeper and staff, and maintenance supervisor embraced the new tasks, joined together and hosted a successful county fair for our youth, community members and sponsors.

“Thank you Felix Carrizales, Casey Sorenson, Carl Nielsen, Andy Perkins, Tim Flitner, Sheila Paumer and Fred Werner for your hard work, endless hours, and volunteerism to Big Horn County. The 4-H program is honored to partner with all of you and respectfully name you the 2012 Big Horn County Friend of 4-H.”

The Gerritt Swiftney Memorial Award is given to the first-year member with outstanding record book accomplishments, community and club participation. Gerritt Swiftney was a very active member of the Shell Rough Riders 4-H Club. He was great friends with several members from Shell.